Mobile Barcoding Can Help with Supply Chain Issues & Economic Angst

Overview

Current supply chain issues and logistical challenges are greatly impacting the manufacturing space.
The right mobile barcoding solution will give you real-time data and insight into your current state and mitigate potential larger effects.
While manufacturers can’t prepare for everything, they can take proactive steps to ensure efficiencies and agility are top of mind.

A recent wave of disruption is wreaking havoc in manufacturing entities. The effects of the pandemic, skilled labor shortages and logistical challenges are all resulting in a host of new challenges for manufacturers and distributors attempting to meet the needs of their consumers.

A central issue in all of this is the continual impact to supply chains. The baby formula shortage, for instance, has shed light on the dire situation facing customers and manufacturers.

For many organizations, it’s a problem that remains unsolvable. A recent survey found that fewer than half of chief executives are taking long-term action to alleviate supply chain challenges. And more than three-fourths were skeptical their solution (short or long-term) would be effective.

1. Do More with Less

In a time where labor demand is high, automating inventory tasks can lead to a more productive workforce. Mobile barcoding can help companies address staffing challenges by providing greater efficiencies on the warehouse floor. In fact, one customer used mobile supply chain software to re-allocate work assignments in the face of fluctuating demand.

Labor shortages aren’t the only reason organizations should use mobile barcoding and automation technology to do more with less. As the costs of materials continue to rise, having end-to-end traceability into your warehouse inventory is critical. Seeing in real-time what is currently in production, and what’s in your warehouse will greatly help you adapt as you look at budget spend.

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2. Gain Awareness into Your Operations and Your Inventory

Balancing supply levels while also dealing with changes in demand is a constant challenge for half of manufacturers, according to a recent survey. And it’s not about to get any easier. Many note they expect demand fluctuations to continue for six months to two years. Gaining awareness into your workflow is a key component to preventing costly stoppages on the production line due to lack of raw materials or parts for maintenance.

Inefficiencies in warehouse operations will only lead to more dire consequences in the current market. Ensuring your processes are streamlined and automated will be an essential component of preparing for disruption and alleviating major impact. Further, gaining awareness into your workflow is a key element to preventing costly stoppages on the production line due to lack of raw materials or parts for maintenance.

A surprising number of manufacturers still relied on manual errors and inefficient labor usage prior to the current market shift. Now, with increased demands for goods and an unreliable supply chain, making the shift to digital warehouse operations is critical to survival.

Mobile technologies drive flexibility, efficiency and productivity. In fact, the real-time data collection workflows produced by mobile digital automation have led to significant time and cost savings. Adding mobile inventory solutions can help automating your cycle counts, increasing accuracy to more than 99.5%.

3. Ensure Complete Visibility

In the midst of rapid-fire shifts in a myriad of conditions, manufacturers must be able to embrace operational agility and production shifts. Mobile barcoding gives you a fighting chance with clear, up-to-the-second data necessary for strategic decision making.

Mobile inventory solutions enable real-time information visibility from start to finish in the warehouse production cycle. This allows manufacturers to rapidly shift production to accommodate changes, unexpected shortages and more. Mobilizing also provides them with foresight into preventing potential problems before they start.

Ultimately, the organizations that will fare better throughout disruption are those that prioritize end-to-end visibility along the entire supply chain. These companies will take their data and use it to predict changes and be prepared for what lies ahead.

WATCH THE VIDEO: How Caito Foods created end-to-end supply chain visibility –

4. Why Mobile Inventory is Essential to Your Supply Chain Solution

The current market conditions have shown disruption and vulnerability are certain. While you can’t control all the factors impacting your manufacturing and distribution, you can take steps to mitigate the effect.

Understanding your current state and your inventory needs can help you make informed decisions when uncharted territory arises. Mobile barcoding and automation technology can help you with an accurate data set as you move forward in uncertain terrain.

How Mobile Barcoding Can Help with Supply Chain Issues & Economic Uncertainty

Overview

1. Do More with Less

2. Gain Awareness into Your Operations and Your Inventory

3. Ensure Complete Visibility

4. Why Mobile Inventory is Essential to Your Supply Chain Solution

Additional Supply Chain Resources

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